How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Steak: An Easy Guide for Juicy and Delicious Food
Ever want to make restaurant-quality steak at home without your kitchen filling with smoke? “Air fryer steak might be your new favorite way to cook this popular protein.
This easy trick gives you juicy, tender steak with a perfect sear every time. Best of all, it only takes 15 minutes to complete!
The Case For Air Fryer Steak As A Simple Dinner
Air fryer steak can solve a lot of cooking problems. You won’t contend with smoky kitchens, messy spatters, or complicated cooking techniques. This is what you are going to love about this cooking method:
- Quick Cooking Time: Your steak finishes in 10–12 minutes total. That makes it ideal for busy weeknights, when you need dinner quickly.
- Less Mess: The stovetop is clean since there is no oil splatter. Everything is contained in the air fryer, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Consistent Results: Once you find your perfect cooking time, you will get the same delicious steak every time. The air fryer also maintains steady heat, which is even compared to stovetops, which may have hot spots.
- Easy to Make: No advanced chef qualifications are required. The air fryer does most of the work, with a single flip halfway through cooking.
Air frying steak is also a healthier option than some other cooking methods. It uses less oil but still packs all the juicy flavor you crave.
How to Select the Best Steak for Your Air Fryer
The cut of steak you buy makes a huge difference in how well it cooks in an air fryer. Sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, and porterhouse all work well. Here’s what to look for when purchasing steak for air frying:
- Thickness Matters: Opt for steaks at least 1 inch thick. Thinner cuts cook too fast and dry out before they have a chance to develop a nice crust.
- Size Considerations: Pick steaks that fit in your air fryer basket without making contact. Most air fryers easily accommodate 4-6-ounce steaks.
- Fat Content: Some marbling (fat within the meat) will help your steak stay juicy. Very lean cuts can become dry.
- Room Temperature: Remove your steaks from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before cooking. Meat cooked at room temperature cooks more evenly.
Dry your steaks with paper towels before seasoning. Absorbing the excess moisture contributes to better crust development during cooking.
How To Cook The Perfect Steak In An Air Fryer
Cooking a perfect air fryer steak is easy. All you have to do is follow these simple steps for success every time:
- Heat the air fryer to 400°F 200°C for about 5 minutes.
- Rub olive oil, salt, and pepper on your steaks. You could add garlic powder and paprika if you want.
- Position steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving room between each one. Do not crowd them, or they will not cook.
- A 1-inch thick steak will take 10-12 minutes total. We recommend flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking period.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature until your desired doneness is reached (see chart below).
- Allow the steaks to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. That holds the juices in the meat.
Also, try topping your cooked steak with garlic herb butter to season it as it rests. The warmth of the steak will melt the butter, forming a delicious sauce.
The Best Way To Make Your Ideal Steak Doneness
People want their steak cooked in different ways. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for desired doneness:
- Rare: 125°F to 130°F – Red center, cool inside
- Medium-Rare: 130°F to 140°F – Red, warm center
- Medium: 140°F to 150°F – Pink center throughout
- Medium-Well: 150°F to 155°F – Slightly pink center
- Well-Done: 160°F and above – No pink
Remember that meat cooks while it rests after being removed from heat. Remove your steak from the air fryer at about 5 degrees below your desired temperature. You may need to adjust cooking times based on your air fryer and the thickness of your steak. A 1-inch thick steak generally requires around 10 minutes for medium rare or 12 minutes for medium doneness.
How To Make Perfect Air Fryer Steak Every Single Time
These simple tips will take your air fryer steak from good to great:
- Always Preheat: You want a blazing hot air fryer for the best sear on your steak.
- Pat Dry: Drying the steaks on the surface allows for better crust formation.
- Don’t crowd: Leave space between steaks so that hot air circulates on all sides.
- Let It Rest: You should always let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This retains the juices within the meat rather than on your plate.
- Check Early: If you’re new to air frying steak, check the temperature a minute or two early. You can always cook it longer but can’t un-overcook it.”
- Flip Right: About halfway through cooking, use tongs to flip your steak for a more even result.
For leaner cuts, like sirloin, a simple dry rub will add color and flavor. This easy seasoning mix includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Yummy Sides For Your Air Fryer Steak
A good steak merits good sides. Here are five options that go great with your air fryer steak:
- Potato options: Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or crispy air fryer potatoes make a classic pairing.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for color and nutrition on your plate.
- Light Additions: “You can never go wrong with a list of light, acidic additions,” Williams writes. “For steak, a simple salad dressed with a vinaigrette would offset the heaviness of the dish.”
- Flavors Up: Sautéed mushrooms and onions are a great topper for your steak.
To make your meal with little effort, you can cook your vegetables in the air fryer after the steak has rested. The residual heat cooks them rapidly and adds lovely flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Steak Leftovers
If you are left with excess steak, keep it stored and enjoy it later:
- Cool Completely: Cool the steak entirely before storing it.
- Chill Quickly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: For extended storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 6 months.
- Gentle Reheating: Reheat leftover steak in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes without overcooking.
Leftover steak can also be delicious in salads, sandwiches, or pasta the following day.
Why You’ll Never Want to Cook Steak Any Other Way Than With an Air Fryer
Steak in the Air fryer is a delicious yet easy way to take advantage of all the convenience of steak and air frying. You make restaurant-quality steak with little effort or cleanup. Also, because it’s a consistent cooking environment, once you settle on the perfect timing for your steaks, they’ll all come out great every time.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or want to enjoy a good steak on a weeknight, the air fryer makes it effortless. Try this method once, and you may never look back to cooking steak on the stovetop!